Persuasive Research Essay PRACTICE
For many, a zoo is a source of family entertainment and fond memories of discovery. Supporters
claim that zoos advance conservation efforts and enhance knowledge and learning; still, others
counter that zoos are little more than animal prisons where innocent creatures are abused and
exploited. These two opposing views lead to the question: “Should animals be kept in zoos?”
ASSIGNMENT: Using the sources provided, create a persuasive paragraph that responds to the
assertion, “It is beneficial to keep animals in zoos.” Provide a specific claim that clearly shows
your position.
– Include a specific claim/thesis
– Cite at least 2 sources (2 quotes minimum)
– Create a unique argument and discussion based on the sources; your argument should be the
most significant part of the paragraph. Do not merely paraphrase the evidence.
– Include rhetorical strategies (counterargument, etc.)
– Full MLA formatting, including works cited page
– Assignment due at end of class on Jan. 13th to turnitin.com
1. Read/annotate the articles (originally found online), considering significant quotes
to reinforce and develop argument; answer the questions that follow each source.
2. Plan/develop your discussions/argument (back of this page)
– Outline the argument, using the sources as the framework
3. Create your claim (thesis) – write on assignment paper
4. In Word, create the MLA formatting, with an appropriate heading (use
documentation guide)
5. Type claim
6. Type paragraph, using planning and sources
– For internal citations, for now mark with paragraph number only ( 4);
formatting will be edited in step 8
– Include rhetorical strategies and insightful, persuasive discussions
based on the sources (do not paraphrase them)
– Steps 1-6 must be finished by the beginning of class on Jan. 13th/14th
7. Create works cited page, using documentation guide
8. Format internal citations, using documentation guide
9. Revise/edit paragraph, review MLA formatting for accuracy
10. Turn in Turnitin.com (due on Jan 13th (A) Jan 14th (B) in class)
Formatting a persuasive research paragraph (Example)
CLAIM/TOPIC SENTENCE:
CONTEXT: information that leads into the evidence - provides background, or context, that would help
the reader understand the evidence (sources) the writer is getting ready to provide
EVIDENCE: in the form of a quotation of a source, paraphrasing, etc. Evidence must be cited from the
source accurately.
According to _________________________________________, “_______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________”
(___________).
First word of citation and page or par. #
DISCUSSION: Analysis, discussion, and persuasive elements: how does this evidence prove the
thesis (claim)? This discussion could be in the form of a counterargument.
EVIDENCE: in the form of a quotation of a source, paraphrasing, etc. Evidence must be cited from the
source accurately.
According to _________________________________________, “_______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________”
(___________).
First word of citation and page or par. #
DISCUSSION Analysis, discussion, and persuasive elements: how does this evidence prove the thesis
(claim)? This discussion could be in the form of a counterargument.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
SOURCE A
The New Zoo - Rene S. Ebersole
Audubon Magazine
http://audubonmagazine.org/features0111/newzoo.html
– Underline the most significant lines of this source.
– What is this source’s position?
– What is this source’s main argument?
– How could this source be used for the pro side of - “Should animals be kept in zoos?” Consider
counterarguments as well.
– How could this source be used for the con side of -“Should animals be kept in zoos?” Consider
counterarguments as well.
SOURCE B
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
The following excerpt is part of the response from PETA to the question: “Should animals be
kept in zoos?”
Opposing Views Beta
http://www.opposingviews.com/quetions/should-animals-be-kept-in-zoos
– Underline the most significant lines of this source.
– What is this source’s position?
– What is this source’s main argument?
– How could this source be used for the pro side of - “Should animals be kept in zoos?” Consider
counterarguments as well.
– How could this source be used for the con side of -“Should animals be kept in zoos?” Consider
counterarguments as well.
SOURCE C
Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? - Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association
The following excerpt is from an article in an American Veterinary Medical Association journal
which interviews Dr. Michael Hutchins, executive director/CEO of The Wildlife Society, about
the ethicality of zoos.
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/dec02/021201d.asp
– Underline the most significant lines of this source.
– What is this source’s position?
– What is this source’s main argument?
– How could this source be used for the pro side of - “Should animals be kept in zoos?” Consider
counterarguments as well.
– How could this source be used for the con side of -“Should animals be kept in zoos?” Consider
counterarguments as well.